The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 219: 5 Questions to Leave a Lasting Impression (Rebroadcast)

August 24th, 2011

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Synopsis

Today’s podcast is a rebroadcast of Episode 144.

Today’s podcast topic comes from Dr. Misner’s book Networking Like a Pro. Here are five questions to ask at networking events that will help you leave a lasting impression on the people you meet.

  1. What do you like best about what you do?
  2. You mentioned you were in ______ industry. What got you started in that business?
  3. Where else do you usually network? Are there other groups that you go to?
  4. What are some of your biggest challenges? (Don’t start a conversation with this one.)
  5. How can I help you?

Read the complete transcript on the post for Episode 144.

Brought to you by Ask Ivan Misner.

Published In: Networking
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Episode 206: “You Never Know Who They Know”

May 25th, 2011

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Synopsis

It would probably surprise you to know about some of the influential people that some of your fellow BNI members know. Don’t assume that just because someone works in an unrelated industry, that person isn’t a referral source for you. It doesn’t take a corporate executive to connect you with a corporate executive. Members of your chapter have connections through their family, friends, and hobbies, as well as their clients and colleagues.

Never overlook the networking possibilities of an event or a possible BNI member, no matter what kind of event it is or how unlikely it seems. The dentist, the cosmetic salesperson, the gardener, may be the biggest source of referrals in your chapter.

If you have a story about someone walking away from business—or unexpectedly getting business—because they didn’t realize who another person knew, post it to the comments here.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Getting The Most From BNI | Networking
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Discussion: 8 Comments

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Episode 201: “World’s Worst Networker”

April 20th, 2011

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Synopsis

Tim Houston, Area Director for BNI NYC Outer Boroughs, joins Dr. Misner today to talk about his best-selling book, The World’s Worst Networker: Lessons Learned by the Best from the Absolute Worst. Tim is part of Dr. Misner’s Author Mentoring Program for BNI directors.

There are lots of books that show people how to network properly; Tim wanted to examine the subject from the opposite perspective. The book’s contributors include Bob Burg, Susan RoAne, Michelle R. Donovan, Robyn Henderson, and Ivan Misner.

The common trait of the world’s worst networkers is a mercenary attitude. They make networking all about them. That said, the world’s worst networkers fall into three categories:

  • The Most Unwanted
  • Environmental disasters
  • Online outlaws

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking | Special Guests
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Discussion: 4 Comments

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Episode 200: “What’s Your Excuse for Not Following Up?”

April 13th, 2011

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner accepts no excuses for not following up with new contacts you meet at big networking events. To make it easier, he’s providing two templates, one for the “B” list and one for the “A” list.

Always remind the person who you are and where you met.

Follow up Template for “B list” contacts (those who may become valuable contacts in the future but not right away):

Jim–

My name is John Smith, and I’m the consultant who met you the other day over at the chamber.  I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed our conversation–and it sounds like you’re really doing well and staying busy.

Anyway, it was good talking to you, and if I can help you out in any way, please let me know.

John

Follow up Template for “A list” contacts (those who might become new clients or referral partners right now):

Jim–

My name is John Smith, and I’m the consultant who met you the other day at the chamber event.  I just wanted to say I really enjoyed our conversation and was hoping I could learn a little bit more about what you do.

I’m thinking we can get together for a quick cup of coffee.  That way, if I run into someone who could use your services, I can point him in your direction.  How does next Tuesday morning sound for something over at Starbucks?

Again, great talking to you, and if I can help your business in any way, please let me know.

John

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking
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Discussion: 4 Comments

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Episode 199: “Sorting Out Who’s Who”

April 6th, 2011

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Synopsis

How often have you come home from a large networking event with a huge stack of business cards and wondered, “Now what?” Here are some tips for sorting out your potential prospects and referral partners from the rest.

  1. Make a note of something you discussed on the back of the business card right after you talk to the person. If this is not appropriate in your culture, keep a small notebook handy to jot down a few words next to the person’s name.
  2. Divide the most immediate prospects into one pile and the less immediate prospects into another.
  3. Enter the first group into your contact database and send a quick note by either e-mail or snail mail. Try to set up a meeting for coffee or some other fairly immediate follow-up meeting to find out how you can help them.
  4. Send another message to your less immediate prospects, even if you don’t set up a meeting.

Next week’s podcast will provide some specific examples of follow-up notes to these two groups of contacts.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Business Cards | Networking
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Discussion: 5 Comments

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